This Marry Me Salmon features tender salmon topped with a creamy tomato herb sauce that makes your taste buds sing! It’s rich, flavorful, and just perfect for a cozy dinner.
You might just want to marry your dinner plate after this one! 😄 I enjoy serving it over pasta or rice for a heartwarming meal. Trust me, it will become a favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star of this dish. If you can’t find fresh, frozen salmon works well too! Just thaw it properly before cooking.
Shallot: These add a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have shallots, you can use a small onion or a few green onions instead. They’ll work just fine!
Sun-dried Tomatoes: I recommend using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. If you want a fresh twist, substitute with diced fresh tomatoes, but cook them down longer.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy nature. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option!
Chicken Broth or White Wine: Both options add great depth to the sauce. If you’re avoiding alcohol, stick with the chicken broth or vegetable broth.
How Do I Cook Salmon Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking salmon just right is essential for this dish. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a hot skillet! This helps get that nice sear.
- Cook the salmon skin-side down (if it has skin) for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Don’t rush it; let it develop a nice golden crust.
- Use a spatula to flip gently, and only flip once to avoid breaking the fillet.
- Look for salmon that’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork when it’s done. Don’t overcook it!
With these tips and ingredients, your Marry Me Salmon will surely impress! Enjoy your meal!
Marry Me Salmon with Creamy Tomato Herb Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 25 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the salmon, plus an additional 15 minutes to make the creamy tomato herb sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin). Cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown and just cooked through. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 4-5 minutes. When done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped shallot and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Flavors:
Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and smoked paprika. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Carefully pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it’s slightly thickened.
6. Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and basil, reserving a little bit for garnishing later on.
7. Combine Salmon with Sauce:
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let them warm through in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is heated through, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and the remaining herbs. Serve the salmon hot with extra creamy tomato herb sauce spooned over each fillet. It’s fantastic over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with steamed vegetables!
Enjoy your rich and flavorful Marry Me Salmon with a luscious creamy tomato herb sauce! Trust me, this dish is irresistibly good!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Just note that the flavor will differ slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce before adding your cooked salmon. This way, you’ll have a quick and easy dinner option!